Honda have taken the wrapping paper off their update to the 2013 CRF450R. This latest generation has a revamped front suspension with new rebound pistons, rebound rods, and the stock suspension psi has been increased by 2 psi for a higher front ride height. The exhaust is also all-new compared to the outgoing model and the bike features a new intake, which is designed to feed more air in to the engine.
With the new intake and exhaust, Honda have attempted to make the power delivery of this motorbike more linear and accessible throughout the rev range.
We managed to give the 2014 Honda CRF450R a little whirl in September, and found it be rather excellent.
Handling is, as you’d expect, top notch on the Honda CRF450R. The stock suspension proved to be easy to live with and with good damping. Landings both big and small were dealt with admirably by the forks and rear spring. If you like your bike to inspire confidence, we can think of no better bike Honda has ever created for this segment of the rider community. Of course, you can also easily adapt the bike to suit your needs. Stock front suspension is 35 psi which is 2 psi higher than the 2013 model, and so the front rides higher. It’s extremely well balanced.
Power delivery is smooth, progressive, and rather sharp – the throttle response on this bike is instant, perfect for powering up inclines.
Alongside the CRF450R, Honda also have plenty of other exciting motorbikes for 2014. These include the Pioneer 700, Grom, Forza, CRF250R, CRF150R/CRF150RB, and CRF250L. You will find the 2014 Honda CRF450R and other new Honda bikes at Grantham Honda Bikes very soon. Honda say that availability for this bike will be in August and no dealer prices have been announced as of yet.
Overall
Overall, the CRF450R is very promising indeed. It’s more of an incremental update on the 2013 model than the 2013 model was on the version prior to that, but all of the small changes and tweaks Honda has made have resulted in a bike that is simply better. Throttle responsive is better, the power delivery is more linear, the suspension is better with 35 psi pressure stock (up from 33 psi) and it even sounds better with an all-new exhaust. If you have a 2013 bike, and were to ride this, you’d likely appreciate the extra features Honda has implemented but not be blown away. You’ll certainly be able to track faster on this, but your ability to get the most out of this bike will come down to how good of a rider you are.
We can’t wait to get our gloves on this bike and give it a thorough going over.
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